The name "Snow White" originated from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale published in the early 19th century. In the original story, Snow White is named because her skin was described as "white as snow," inspired by the image of snow falling outside as her mother wished for a child with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony. Thus, the name Snow White primarily refers to her skin color resembling the whiteness of snow.
In recent adaptations, such as the upcoming Disney 2025 live-action film, the origin of Snow White's name has been reinterpreted. Actress Rachel Zegler explained that in this version, Snow White is named not for her skin color but because she survived a snowstorm as a baby, and the name "Snow White" is meant to symbolize her resilience and strength. This newer interpretation moves away from the focus on appearance and toward characteristics like inner strength.
To summarize:
- Original Grimm tale: Named Snow White because of her "white as snow" skin.
- Newer adaptations: Name symbolizes resilience, inspired by surviving a snowstorm.
This dual origin of the name reflects both classic fairy tale imagery and modern reinterpretations of the character's meaning and symbolism.
